Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F

My username hints at my birth year. I was a child of the 1980s and movies like the Beverly Hills Cop franchise were what I grew up on. Well, that is to say that's what I watched in the 1990s, when my country finally got around to airing Hollywood movies on free TV some 4 to 5 years after their release. It was a great childhood though, with action (+ comedy) movies that featured stars like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis or Sylvester Stallone. Well, I mentioned the big three, but there are a ton of others worth being added. With this as my background, "Axel F" should be the blast from the past I've been waiting for all decade long. Well, you'd think so, but the early happy feelings don't last more than the moment of recognition. Seeing Eddie Murphy on screen - and reappearing in his defining role no less - was great and he looked surprisingly fit for a 60 plus actor. But soon enough it became clear, that while the meat was there, it didn't taste right. It's the same disappointment I felt when Bruce Willis did Die Hard 4 over a decade after the third one, only more intense. Unlike Die Hard though, this movie production was likely based on the premise of bringing the original 80s vibe back. One thing you have to ask yourself though: how could it ever *feel* authentic, when it's actually set in the 2020s? Some things are just painfully cringy, others horribly sad. Like a 60+ old Axel Foley still not having grown up, still wanting to be a street cop and instead of being that lovable screw-up he was in earlier movies, what I saw in movie number four was merely a sad empty shell of a beloved childhood character. You could almost see it in the actor's face, that he's only doing this for the money - for him the $20 million he's rumored to have earned as both producer and actor seem to be worth spitting on the legacy of this franchise. Not that the second but particularly the third movie were as good as the first one, but I still enjoyed them as a teen.

Recently, I watched "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F," a fresh adaptation and essentially a long-awaited sequel to the original Beverly Hills Cop. Eddie Murphy truly impressed in his revival of the character, bringing him back to life on the screen, albeit the small screen this time. Despite being a streaming movie, it had the potential to succeed in theaters. While it may not have been a blockbuster hit, it could have enjoyed some success on the big screen. However, I believe it could have been even more successful. The recasting of the daughter was a letdown for me. Her acting and storytelling towards her father felt forced and insincere, lacking authenticity and depth. It seemed like the character was neglected in terms of development and emotional depth, which was disappointing. Despite this, the action sequences were thrilling, the storytelling was decent, and the overall plot was reasonably solid. I wish we had seen more of her involvement in the court case, as that was a central part of the narrative. However, the focus seemed to shift primarily to Eddie Murphy's character, sidelining her story even though it was meant to be significant. In the end, "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F" is a decent movie. It has its moments, but it falters in certain aspects due to weak writing, especially concerning the daughter's character. Perhaps she would be better suited to smaller roles until she can enhance her emotional depth and acting skills.

“Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” revisits the popular franchise with the expected heavy dose of nostalgia, and thankfully Eddie Murphy‘s enduring charm overpowers the uninspired screenwriting and lackluster storyline. Filled with callbacks, familiar faces, and the iconic soundtrack that defined the 80s, this comfortable journey back to the streets of Beverly hills with the Detroit detective feels tailor-made for fans of the series. Irreverent detective Axel Foley (Murphy) is back on the beat in the 90210 after his attorney daughter Jane’s (Taylour Paige) life is threatened. A lot of very powerful people want her to back off a case involving some very dirty cops, and she reluctantly works with her estranged dad to get to the bottom of all the threats. Axel teams up with a new local “partner” (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and old pals Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold) and John Taggart (John Ashton) for help uncovering what turns out to be a big conspiracy. It’s a formulaic and predictable plot that still serves as a solid framework for a classic crime story. Murphy effortlessly slips back into Foley’s shoes, delivering the wisecracks with that million dollar charisma that made the character a fan favorite (and himself a certified movie star). It’s fun to see Reinhold and Ashton in action again, but they are mostly there to serve up some additional ‘memberberries. Cast additions Paige and Gordon-Levitt inject some fresh energy into the mix, which, despite their characters both feeling underdeveloped, is more than welcome. The film takes the nostalgia to the next level, including the overuse of the franchise’s best-selling soundtracks. There are three classic tunes in the opening ten minutes, which feels like a gimmick to get viewers settled into a certain mindset. It works, because this trip through familiar territory is one that relies heavily on the ability of its audience to “just go with it.” Director Mark Molloy delivers what fans expect, from serviceable action sequences, lighthearted humor, and a safe formula that is far from groundbreaking (because it doesn’t need to be). “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” is a good enough nostalgia-filled reunion with Murphy’s iconic character. It’s ultimately forgettable, but still provides an enjoyable ride for those looking to revisit old friends and relive the magic of the original films. By: Louisa Moore / SCREEN ZEALOTS